Parris Island to honor women's service to Marines

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. (AP) -- It's been nearly 70 years since women officially became part of the Marine Corps, and Parris Island is honoring their service with a day of events dedicated to them.

The Beaufort Gazette reported that the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island will celebrate Monday with a morning colors ceremony, tours of Parris Island and other events.

Parris Island is the only Marine base where enlisted female Marines train. Brig. Gen. Lori Reynolds became the first woman in the depot's 97-year history to serve as its commanding general when she took over last year. Its 4th Recruit Battalion trains female Marine recruits.

Women officially became part of the Corps in February 1943 with the establishment of the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. They make up about 7 percent of the Corps.

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